Willie Nelson, 91, Pauses Tour On Doctor’s Orders

Legendary country music icon Willie Nelson is expected to return to his highly anticipated Outlaw Music Festival Tour in the near future after temporarily stepping away from the stage on a doctor’s advice.

The 91-year-old Nelson, who celebrated his birthday in April, could not perform at the scheduled show in Virginia Beach on Wednesday night. A message on the musician’s social media accounts announced, “Willie Nelson will not be performing at tonight’s show in Virginia Beach. We expect Willie to return to the tour shortly.”

Last week, Nelson had to cancel several performances on the Outlaw Music Festival Tour due to an unspecified illness. In a statement, his team expressed, “We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and, per doctor’s orders, has been advised to rest for the next four days. He is expected to make a quick recovery and join the Outlaw Music Festival tour next week.”

The tour’s lineup has continued to feature other acclaimed artists according to plan, such as Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Celisse. Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, and his family band will also take the stage to perform some of the legendary performer’s classic hits.

Nelson’s next scheduled tour stops are in New York on Friday and Saturday. 

Nelson was one of the pioneers of the outlaw country subgenre, which developed as a reaction to the conservative restrictions of the Nashville sound in the late 1960s. The veteran musician has remained actively engaged in the music industry, with a new album, The Border, released in May, as well as a few cameos on Beyoncé‘s Cowboy Carter album. 

Last year, Nelson was honored with induction into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, performing alongside respected artists such as Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton and Dave Matthews.

Fans eagerly await Nelson‘s return to the stage.